Gopher Genealogy by Susan LeBlanc provides information about research, lectures, published articles and book reviews, and Serendipity Moments that are the results of searching for ancestors both personally and for clients. The objective of the blog is for others to receive insight and inspiration in doing their family history research. It is an evolving method of communication and input from reviewers is welcome.

Monday, January 28, 2019

As I got caught up in my reading of the Ensign Magazine
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (available to read online
for free at lds.org) I enjoyed each and every one of them. Then on Saturday I
was reading the one for June 2018 when I looked in the back at the last
article. There was, "The Lord's Help Through Two Brain Surgeries" by
Bryn Booker. It has been almost ten years since my two brain surgeries and this
article means so much to me. While the reasons for our surgeries varied a
little, there was so much more we could share with each other. After my
surgeries I longed for someone or group where I could get understanding and
support. I contacted Bryn and we spent time yesterday making that connection. I
am so grateful that she wrote her article. While I have written about my
experience of this very unique type of surgery, I have not felt ready to share
it publicly. Even though Bryn and I are separated by thirty years in age, we
now know someone who will truly understand what we are talking about. I have
had many surgeries and I agree with Bryn that these were very painful and
emotionally challenging surgeries. My husband, six children and six
grandchildren are my motivation in moving forward. I know my life is in God's
hands and he will lead me along.I know
Bryn will have the same support both from her family and from God. Our blessings
surely outweigh the challenges that we face. Facebook.com/ensign.magazine

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Let gratitude month begin. This is a year of looking at
things with a renewed perspective. I am so grateful for my parents and all the
good that they instilled in our family. My Dad's birthday is in two weeks and
he would have been 84 and Mon's was in September and she would have been 84.
Two very kind, generous and loving people that continue to bless our family in
so many ways. They always put others first and worked hard to support our
family. As we age and face personal struggles we continue to be encouraged to
follow these values.

This week I completed a genealogy project for the Watts house. Over 700 pages of research notes, documents, family stories, etc. donated by Andy Watts Harrison. This collection certainly enhances what there was preciously. Not only did Andy copy the entire collection, but she paid for mailing it. It arrived as a birthday present for me about six months ago. It is now contained in eight 1" notebooks, with a list of what is found in each included. After 2 1/2 years this a nice capstone project to all that we have accomplished. Below is an updated listing of the materials as there was some reorganization to the materials.

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